Chapter 5 THE SEARCH

Bianca

"Dad," Liam called out, his voice suddenly straight as he straightened, his unbuttoned shirt still hanging loosely on his body. "What.. what are you doing here?"

Fredrick stepped in slowly, staring at us, arms folded.

"I was headed to my quarters," he said slowly, "when I heard raised voices." he stared closely at us. "So who exactly needs protecting.. and from what?"

"Oh, common Dad," Liam said, forcing a laugh. Eavesdropping now? We're a married couple, for crying out loud."

He let out a nervous chuckle, placed a hand on my waist, and pulled me close, and I felt a sudden warmth.

"Just a little friendly banter, nothing serious," he added, glancing at me with a soft smile.

"Tell him, babe,"

"Yes.. of course, Mr Fredrick, it was nothing serious at all," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Oh, Bianca quit with formalities," Fredrick said," it's Dad to you now, you're part of the family now."

"Okay Dad," I forced a small laugh, glancing briefly at Liam, who now kept a straight face.

"Anyway son," Fredrick said, a faint smile playing on his face. "I came to let you know about the upcoming charity gala for Smith Industries. I won't be attending. Victoria has planned a little getaway for just the two of us."

He chuckled softly, then looked directly at Liam.

"I'll need you and your wife to represent the family."

"Dad, this is supposed to be an important function," Liam said, his hands still gently placed on my lower back. "Wouldn't it be better to postpone your little getaway, I'm certain Victoria would understand."

Fredrick let out a little laugh.

"It's just some silly gala, I'm sure you'll do just fine without me." He said with a shrug. "I'll leave you two love birds now and call it a night.

We said goodnight and he left.

Liam let go of my waist immediately, as the touch irritated him.

"You heard him. We've got a gala to attend," he said flatly, already walking to the bathroom.

"Remember, make sure the act looks good."

****

Two days later, we arrived at the venue for the gala. I sat in the back of the car, fingers tightening around my purse, as reporters swarmed outside like hungry insects.

This wasn't just another public appearance.

This was the first ever, acting as a loving couple.

I raised my eyes to see Liam adjusting his cufflinks with ease, but I noticed the faint tension in his jaw.

"We stick to the plan," he said, glancing at me. "Smile when necessary and stay close. I don't want you crashing into no Goddamn pools."

I frowned.

He didn't have to bring up the incident with Kira.

I was thankful she wasn't present this time.

I nodded at Liam, my heart beating rapidly.

The door opened, and cameras flashed. Liam stepped out first, unfolding to his full height, elegant and totally unreadable. He extended his hand to me, and I hesitated for a moment before taking it.

His palm felt warm and gentle.

"Ready?" He murmured.

I wasn't, but I nodded.

The moment I got out, the shouting began.

"Mrs Smith, what's life like being married to the Smith heir?"

"Is your marriage one of convenience?"

The words sank into my gut.

Liam held my hand firmly, leading the way as we moved through the crowd. We were nearly at the entrance when a reporter walked forward.

"Mrs Smith," he called out, "is it true you married the Smith heir to cover a family debt?"

The question stunned me and I stood still.

My heart sank. How did word of this get out?

The cameras flashed, and there was silence.

I opened my mouth, unsure of what to say.

But to my surprise, Liam moved.

He stepped in front of me so swiftly my breath stopped.

"That's enough," he said, voice low and steady. "You don't speak about my wife or my marriage in that manner,"

The reporter scoffed. "Mr Smith we're just asking what the public needs to know."

"No," Liam said sharply. "You're trying to humiliate her on record. Get your facts right, and leave her out of it."

The weight of his words struck me deeper than I expected. I couldn't believe my eyes and ears.

None of this needed to be part of the act.

No one would have blamed him for staying silent.

But he still stepped forward, shielding me.

The reporter tried again. "So you're denying.."

"I'm done entertaining this," Liam cut him off, eyes cold, jaw tightening. "My personal life is none of your concern. And you ain't gonna use it in tearing down a woman who has agreed to do life with me."

His words sent a strange warmth through my chest and I relaxed.

Security intervened at last, pushing the reporter back.

Liam turned toward me, his anger melting into concern for me.

"Are you alright?" He asked warmly.

I simply nodded. I couldn't find words.

He stepped closer, and I could feel his breath brushing my cheek as he stared closely at my face. His hand lifted as though he wanted to touch my arm. He then paused as if he remembered himself.

"We don't have to stay long," he murmured, locking eyes with me.

"But we should," I whispered, my voice steady. "We came together."

Slowly, he reached for my hand and we walked into the hall.

We mingled with a few guests, and Liam gave a speech on Fredrick's behalf.

The orchestra began, transitioning into a slower waltz. Couples moved toward the center of the hall.

"We should dance," Liam murmured. "Just for appearances. We have to debunk whatever news is flying around."

He extended his hand and I placed mine in it.

I could hear my heart beating rapidly.

He gently guided me into the center of the hall, his hand lightly placed on my waist. I rested my other hand on his shoulder, feeling his breath for a moment.

Then the music swept us into motion.

I could hardly lock eyes with him.

"Relax," he whispered, noticing my tension.

"Hard to," I replied, lost in his gaze.

"Thank you for defending me earlier," I whispered.

"Let's just say it's my way of making up for doubting you earlier about Victoria," he said. "I had my men look into her, and from the information I gathered, boy, she could be hiding quite a lot more."

"I'm shocked to hear that," I managed to say.

"All thanks to you, she'll be stopped in no time." He said, guiding me through a turn.

The party ended and we returned home.

By dawn, a hurried knock came at the door.

"Ma'am, your attention is needed downstairs," Belinda said, her voice tense.

I rushed down the stairs.

And I saw Liam, standing conversing with some men in dark suits.

It was six in the morning.

No one visited the Billionaires at that time of the day unless something was terribly wrong.

"Liam Smith?" One of the men asked, flashing a badge.

"I am Agent Randy from the FBI. My men and I need to speak with you and your wife."

Wife.

The word hit me like a punch and my stomach churned.